Question

the earth moon dist. is about 60 times the earths radius If ge is the surface gravity on the earth .gravitational acc. due to earth on the moons surface is about________

Answer 1

the acceleration due to gravity is given as

g = GM/R²

now, we know that

M_m = mass of moon = 0.012 times mass of earth (M_e)

R_m = radius of the moon = 0.272 times that of earth (R_e)

now, for earth g_e = 9.81 m/s²

so,

acceleration due to gravity for moon

g_m = GM_m/R_m²

or

g_m = G.(0.012M_e) / (0.272R_e)²

or

g_m = 0.16(GM_e / R_e)

so,

g_m = 0.16g_e